Helping Homeless Veterans

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Stand Down event was held Saturday to help hundreds of homeless veterans . Many veterans and homeless families in the community came to the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post that morning to receive things they need on a daily basis: sleeping bags, clothes and blankets.

Doctors and representatives from eye and dental clinics were also in attendance to give check ups. An advocate for the program, Philip McArthur, said they couldn't have done today's event without the volunteers who stepped forward. McArthur said, for the most part, the homeless are very appreciative.

He says they have "veterans who come in here and other homeless people who come in that leave in tears -- because they are so thankful for the event." McArthur also said when a homeless veteran gives him a firm handshake with a tear in their eye, he knows they have impacted someone's life.